October 2, 2021 (Saturday)
Let’s talk about “submission.” Remember it’s a repugnant
idea in American culture. If you don’t believe me, just tell someone “Obey me”
and see what happens. Yet James tells us “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run
away from you.” [James 4:7 CEB] Which leaves us with the reality
that we are either submitting to God or the devil.
How do we submit to God? It’s complicated, but let me back
up to something that James has stated earlier, “Their loyalty is divided between God and the
world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” [James 1:8 NLT] It makes sense, Jesus said, “No one can serve
two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be
devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” [Matthew 6:24 NIV] I don’t think money is the subject
of this verse, rather it is an “obvious” illustration.
So, we can attempt to have divided loyalties, but that’s
like being married but still dating other people. Again, how do we submit to
God? James starts, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your
hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” [James 4:8 ESV] This seems to run contradictory to
some theology that insists the total depravity of humanity means we can do
nothing to save ourselves. I doubt James is even hinting at begin able to save
ourselves. Remember, this is in context to God giving us greater grace than our
need (see James 4:6).
Just a fun piece of information from the Greek, since we are
focusing on divided or double-mindedness. The Greek word is “dipsychos” and can
be understood has having two minds and two souls. This comes from doubt, like
the person that can’t make up their mind between two options. This also comes
from having competing interests. Did I just hear a collective gasp from those
that just now understood?
James describes the reaction to that realization, “Cry out in sorrow,
mourn, and weep! Let your laughter become mourning and your joy become sadness.” [James 4:9 CEB] This is what Paul described, “Godly sorrow brings
repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow
brings death.” [2 Corinthians 7:10
NIV]
In response to the greater grace than our circumstances; we
draw near to God, clean and purify our actions and emotions, and land our loyalties
with the one who loves us (God). Wait, there’s more! James continues, “Humble yourselves
before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” [James 4:10 NLT] As we respond to God’s grace in
humility, we are honored. Resisting God’s grace is an act of pride (see James
4:6).
That’s a long and hard road. God’s grace is able to
transform us from sinners (separated from God) into God’s children. God’s grace
is able to transform us from doubting and pursuing interests that are self-destructive
and contrary to God’s love and grace.
I “double-dog dare you times infinity” to take some time and
focus on God’s love and grace for you. Take the chance to think, believe, and
know that God WANTS you to find peace in the middle of the war that swirls in
your soul. Having found that peace, you will achieve victory over the doubts
and competing interests that are trying to (or have, or are) tear(ing) you away
from God.
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